Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will hold urgent talks with BBC director-general Tim Davie over “deeply concerning” allegations an unnamed presenter at the corporation paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
Senior officials have told the broadcaster that the allegations reported by The Sun newspaper must be investigated “urgently and sensitively”, with the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) kept updated.
Ms Frazer and Mr Davie will have a phone call on Sunday as the BBC comes under pressure over its handling of the complaint.
Sources claim the top star has been accused of handing over £35,000 in return for explicit images from when the person was just 17.
A DCMS spokeswoman said: “These allegations are deeply concerning.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with the department kept informed.
“The Culture Secretary will be speaking to Tim Davie later today.”
This news comes as a string of famous faces tied with the BBC deny their involvement in the scandal.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
